Local clubs have a laugh with Aprils Fools

Ollie Berry

Local clubs across the county have had a laugh this morning making the most of Aprils Fools Day.

From claims of new club whiskey, a 100 per cent sand pitch and the normal claims at audacious signings, social media and websites have been awash with jokes.

Love it or hate it, April 1 will always have people trying to catch others out. Here are a few of the best gags from teams and sports groups across Sussex.

Thirsty Lewes fans will be able to raise a glass to their team with a new whiskey according to their website.

The Rooks could soon be having a swing of their take on The Famous Grouse at the Dripping pan.

A statement said: “At this stage in the season, you might need a stiff drink.

“Fortunately, the mighty Rooks have teamed up with legendary local brewers Harveys to produce a superb new dram that has been christened ‘The Famous Rook‘.

Newhaven FC’s naming rights were up for grabs, apparently with the offer of ‘your name here’ FC.

They said: “In a commercial attempt to increase awareness, we’re selling our team name for 2016/17. The idea is in conjunction with the grounds works and is set to make the club more modern. For info contact A.Foolman@newhavenfc.com.”

Storrington FC claimed that former Crawley Town midfielder Sergio Torres and local lad Dean Cox, who plays for Leyton Orient, were signing for them.

AFC Uckfield Town said that due to huge increases in attendances the club would be lodging an application with the council today for a 5,000 all-seater stand.

Steyning Town claimed they had signed 34-year-old ex Brighton and Hove Albion and Swindon Town midfielder Alan Navarro until the end of the season.

A statement said: “Alan will bring extra quality and experience to the side and we welcome Alan on board and thank him for helping us out for the run in.”

Sussex CCC captain Luke Wright claimed they had made an audacious signing.

He tweeted: “Delighted to announce that Sussex have signed AB de Villiers for the last part of the season! Unbelievable signing. Can’t wait to watch him”

Meanwhile, it was the opposite for Sussex CCC themselves who stressed it wasn’t an April Fools that entry for the 1st Central County Ground for their match with Hampshire was free.

Bognor have claimed that their Wednesday stand is going all-seated.

They tweeted: “The club have agreed a deal with West Ham United to purchase 500 seats from the soon-to-be vacant Upton Park.”

And finally, Whitehawk FC reported that they would be replacing the pitch at The Enclosed Ground with ‘pure, 100 per cent sand’.

A statement said: “Following the popularity of the Beach Sports venue in Brighton, we decided to make the move in order to enhance the entertainment offered to fans at The Enclosed Ground and, although the current slope on the pitch would be removed, we feel we would still have a unique pitch, which would be the only one of it’s kind within the entire English Football Pyramid.

“Special permission has been given by The FA and The National League to allow us to install the new surface, which would also be used during the week for volleyball matches and other beach-related sports.”

If I have missed any good ones, leave a comment in the section below.

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